A powerful dust storm swept across Delhi and nearby regions on Friday evening, severely affecting air travel and stranding hundreds of passengers. The storm led to major delays at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where at least 205 flights were delayed and around 50 were diverted from their destinations.

According to sources, the average delay in departures extended up to an hour, throwing schedules into disarray. The situation turned worse for passengers already in transit or waiting at the airport.

Several passengers took to social media to express their frustration over prolonged delays and poor communication from airlines. A passenger travelling from Srinagar to Mumbai via Delhi narrated how their connecting Air India flight was diverted to Chandigarh due to the storm and only returned to Delhi by 11 pm. “We were then made to wait in the aircraft till 4 am and asked to deboard again for another security check. It’s now 8 am, and we are still waiting,” the stranded traveller shared.

Another elderly passenger, a 75-year-old wheelchair-bound woman, said she had been stuck at the Delhi airport for more than 12 hours after their flight couldn’t land due to the storm. Social media was flooded with complaints, with many describing the airport as “mismanaged” and alleging that airlines failed to provide refreshments or adequate assistance, despite long delays.

Air India, in an advisory, confirmed delays and diversions, stating that their airport teams were working to resolve issues. IndiGo also acknowledged disruptions and cited ongoing congestion at the Delhi airport, even after weather conditions improved. The airline advised passengers to keep checking flight statuses and assured support from their ground teams.

The Delhi airport, meanwhile, issued a statement urging flyers to contact their respective airlines for updates, attributing the delays to the adverse weather.

Power outages and damage across city

Beyond the airport, the dust storm caused widespread disruption across Delhi. Fallen tree branches damaged vehicles and obstructed roads in several areas, including Narela, Bawana, Badli and Mangolpuri. Power outages were reported after trees and other debris brought down power lines, impacting electricity supply in several neighbourhoods.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an ‘orange alert’ for the day, warning of thunderstorms and lightning across Delhi.

In a groundbreaking decision, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed on Friday that it will introduce a new Oscar category, Best Stunt Design, to recognize the artistry of stunt work, beginning with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 for films released in 2027. This historic step celebrates a craft integral to cinema since its inception, marking a victory for stunt professionals after decades of advocacy.

The announcement follows persistent efforts from industry insiders, spearheaded by director and former stuntman David Leitch—known for The Fall Guy, Bullet Train, and Deadpool 2—and veteran stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara. Their compelling presentations to the Academy’s Board of Governors paved the way for this long-overdue recognition. “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been a vital part of filmmaking,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. “We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists.”

The Academy echoed this sentiment on X, stating, “Stunts have always been part of the magic of movies. Now, they’re part of the Oscars. The Academy has created a new annual award for Achievement in Stunt Design—beginning with the 100th Oscars in 2028, honoring films released in 2027.”

The decision drew enthusiastic responses worldwide. Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli, celebrated for RRR, expressed his excitement on social media: “At last!! After a 100-year wait!!! Ecstatic for the new Oscars stunt design category for films releasing in 2027! Huge thanks to David Leitch, Chris O’Hara, and the stunt community for making this historic recognition possible, and to The Academy, CEO Bill Kramer, and President Janet Yang for honoring the power of stunt work. Thrilled to see #RRRMovie’s action visuals shining in the announcement!”

Leitch reflected on the milestone, saying, “This has been a long journey for so many of us. Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades.” Similarly, John Wick director Chad Stahelski lauded the Academy’s decision as a nod to the collaborative spirit of stunt teams. “It’s great to see the Academy truly listening to the stunt community,” he told Variety, highlighting the importance of recognizing an entire department rather than a single individual.

Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, hailed it as “a historic moment for our community,” adding, “This validates the passion, innovation, creativity, and hard work behind every fall, fight, and fireball.” The push for recognition gained momentum in recent years, bolstered by films like The Fall Guy and support from actors such as Winston Duke.

Details on the award’s criteria and voting process will be finalized in the 2027 Academy Awards rulebook, with presentation logistics to be determined later. Meanwhile, online reactions have spotlighted legends like Jackie Chan, with fans noting that this category—while a triumph—comes late for icons whose groundbreaking stunts have long defined cinematic excellence. Social media buzz reflects a mix of celebration and bittersweet sentiment, as the Oscars finally catch up to a craft fans have revered for generations.

The Telangana government has set April 14, 2025, as the deadline to submit online applications for the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025, an initiative designed to empower young entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes (BC), and Minority communities. Offering financial assistance of up to ₹3 lakh in subsidized loans, the scheme aims to promote self-employment, economic independence, and job creation among marginalized youth.

Highlights of the scheme

The Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme provides concessional loans across three distinct categories to cater to diverse entrepreneurial needs:

• Category 1: Loans up to ₹1 lakh with an 80% subsidy, requiring beneficiaries to contribute 20% or secure bank linkage.
• Category 2: Loans ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh with a 70% subsidy.
• Category 3: Loans up to ₹3 lakh with a 60% subsidy.

This tiered approach ensures flexible support tailored to the scale of individual business ventures. Here is a direct link: https://tgobmmsnew.cgg.gov.in/getESSRegistrationForms.action

Application process

Aspiring entrepreneurs can apply through the official online portal at tgobmms.cgg.gov.in before the deadline. A direct link to the application is available under “Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme 2025” on the website. Applicants are urged to complete their submissions promptly to avoid missing out.

Key dates

• Application Deadline: April 14, 2025
• Loan Sanction: Approved beneficiaries will receive loan documents on June 2, 2025, coinciding with Telangana Formation Day.

Eligibility criteria

The scheme targets youth from SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities, with specific eligibility details outlined by the respective Welfare Corporations. Age requirements vary by sector:

• Non-Agricultural Schemes: 21–55 years (as of July 1 of the implementation year).
• Agriculture and Allied Sectors: 21–60 years.

A Ration Card or Income Certificate suffices as proof for application, simplifying the process for eligible candidates.

Required documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Aadhaar Card
• Ration Card or Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate (issued post-Telangana formation)
• Permanent Driving License (for transport-related ventures)
• Pattadar Passbook (for agricultural projects)
• SADAREM Certificate (for Persons with Disabilities)
• Passport-Sized Photograph
• Vulnerable Group Certification (verified by the Mandal Level Committee)

Call to action

With the application window closing soon, the Telangana government encourages eligible youth to act quickly and apply via the official portal. For additional information or clarifications, candidates can visit tgobmms.cgg.gov.in. This scheme represents a vital opportunity for marginalized communities to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality, fostering both personal growth and economic development in the state.